Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 15th & 16th January 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Who inaugurated the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway – Land Port Management System (ICEGATE – LPMS) integration at the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Agartala, Tripura?

(a) Nitin Gadkari

(b) Vivek Johri

(c) Sanjay Malhotra

(d) Surjit Bhujabal

(e) Tuhin Kanta Pandey

2) Which Regional Rural Bank became the first in India to launch the country’s first fully solar-powered mobile ATM van, ‘TGB on Wheels’?

(a) Assam Gramin Vikash Bank

(b) Tripura Gramin Bank

(c) Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank

(d) Meghalaya Rural Bank

(e) Manipur Rural Bank

3) Which statement correctly describes the trend in food inflation in India for December 2025, as per the Consumer Price Index data?

(a) Food inflation turned positive after six months of decline

(b) Food inflation remained unchanged at –3.91%

(c) Food inflation recorded negative growth for the seventh consecutive month

(d) Rural food inflation was higher than urban food inflation

(e) Urban food inflation was more negative than rural food inflation

4) In 2026, State Bank of India’s plan to facilitate bilateral trade between India and Israel in Indian Rupees (INR) will be implemented through which RBI-permitted mechanism?

(a) Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) mechanism

(b) External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) route

(c) Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

(d) Asian Clearing Union (ACU) system

(e) SWIFT-based foreign currency settlement

5) Under which legal framework were all cryptocurrency exchanges in India brought in 2023, making them reporting entities for anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CTF) compliance?

(a) Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)

(b) Companies Act, 2013

(c) Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

(d) Information Technology Act, 2000

(e) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

6) In 2026, Innoviti Technologies Private Limited has been authorised by the RBI to operate as which of the following across India?

(a) Payment Bank

(b) Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuer

(c) Account Aggregator

(d) Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)

(e) Payment Aggregator (PA)

7) According to IRDAI data for FY25, what was India’s overall insurance penetration?

(a) 3.7%

(b) 3.0%

(c) 2.7%

(d) 5.0%

(e) 7.3%

8) Which fintech platform has launched fixed deposit (FD) services by partnering with banks and NBFCs, allowing investments starting from ₹1,000 with DICGC insurance coverage?

(a) Google Pay

(b) PhonePe

(c) Amazon Pay

(d) Paytm

(e) BharatPe

9) Which scheme has the Karnataka Cabinet approved for statewide rollout to prevent child marriages and protect minor girls and women from abuse?

(a) Akka Pade

(b) Sakhi Suraksha

(c) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

(d) Ladli Laxmi

(e) Kanya Sumangala

10) What is the primary feature of the newly launched India Post services, Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48?

(a) Digital tracking of parcels

(b) Time-bound delivery within 24 and 48 hours

(c) International shipping services

(d) Cash-on-delivery facility

(e) Free delivery for rural areas

11) Which airport project was recently approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet to become the state’s 8th airport and strengthen regional connectivity?

(a) Vijayawada Greenfield Airport

(b) Tirupati International Airport

(c) Visakhapatnam Expansion Airport 

(d) Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport

(e) Kadapa Domestic Airport

12) Which international parliamentary forum will India host in New Delhi from 15–16 January 2026, bringing together Speakers and Presiding Officers from over 60 Commonwealth countries?

(a) Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference

(b) Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)

(c) Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly

(d) Commonwealth Legislative Forum (CLF)

(e) Global Parliamentary Summit (GPS)

13) As per the news, India has officially begun preparations for which international leadership role in 2026, including launching an official logo and dedicated website?

(a) G20 Presidency 2026

(b) SAARC Chairmanship 2026

(c) UN General Assembly Leadership 2026

(d) Commonwealth Chair 2026

(e) BRICS Presidency 2026

14) Which mobile application, launched by Punjabi singer Kaka, aims to provide quick emergency assistance and safety support for women?

(a) Friendo

(b) Satark

(c) Shakti

(d) Suraksha Mitra

(e) SheSafe

15) Who has been appointed as President and Vice Chairman of Meta Platforms Inc. to strengthen its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy?

(a) Sheryl Sandberg

(b) Susan Wojcicki

(c) Dina Powell McCormick

(d) Satya Nadella

(e) Sundar Pichai

16) Who received a one-year extension as Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)?

(a) Pawan Kumar Agarwal

(b) Abhishek Dev

(c) Ramesh Abhishek

(d) Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh

(e) Sanjay Malhotra

17) Which Indian company has taken a 50% stake in joint ventures with Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to transport ethane for India’s petrochemical sector?

(a) Reliance Industries

(b) Indian Oil Corporation

(c) Bharat Petroleum

(d) GAIL India

(e) ONGC

18) What is the name of the APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)initiative launched to support agri-food and agritech startups, providing mentorship, market access, and international exposure?

(a) AGRI-BOOST

(b) AgriConnect

(c) FarmStart

(d) BHARATI

(e) FoodNext

19) How many agreements and joint declarations were signed between India and Germany to strengthen their strategic partnership?

(a) 12

(b) 15

(c) 19

(d) 22

(e) 25

20) What is the name of the new global assessment framework, launching on January 19, that evaluates how responsibly countries function in an interconnected world?

(a) Global Responsibility Index

(b) World Governance Index

(c) Global Stability Index

(d) Sustainable Nations Index

(e) Responsible Nations Index

21) What is India’s rank in the Henley Passport Index 2026, reflecting its visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to 55 destinations?

(a) 75th

(b) 78th

(c) 80th

(d) 85th

(e) 90th

22) According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, which country has the weakest passport, ranked 101st with access to only 24 destinations?

(a) Somalia

(b) Afghanistan

(c) Iraq

(d) Syria

(e) Yemen

23) Which rules, notified by the Union Government in 2026, operationalise the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 to promote transparency and athlete-centric governance?

(a) National Sports Administration Rules, 2026

(b) Athlete Protection and Governance Rules, 2026

(c) Sports Federation Regulation Rules, 2026

(d) National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026

(e) National Sports Development Rules, 2026

24) Which Australia women’s cricket captain announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket, effective after the India Women’s tour of Australia in 2026?

(a) Meg Lanning

(b) Ellyse Perry

(c) Alyssa Healy

(d) Beth Mooney

(e) Rachael Haynes

25) Which Swiss snowboarder and Olympic bronze medallist passed away at age 50 after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps?

(a) Ueli Kestenholz

(b) Jonas Baumgartner

(c) Iouri Podladtchikov

(d) Nicolas Müller

(e) Silvano Beltrametti

26) Which veteran Kerala Congress (M) leader and former Member of Parliament passed away at the age of 80 in Alappuzha, Kerala?

(a) K. M. Mani

(b) R. Balakrishna Pillai

(c) P. J. Joseph

(d) Thomas Kuthiravattam

(e) C. F. Thomas

27) On which date is Indian Army Day 2026 observed, marking the 75th anniversary of the day Field Marshal K M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief?

(a) 14th January 2026

(b) 15th January 2026

(c) 16th January 2026

(d) 26th January 2026

(e) 1st February 2026

28) How many solar-powered ATM vans does Tripura Gramin Bank currently operate across Tripura to strengthen last-mile banking connectivity?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 5

(d) 4

(e) 3

29) Which Indian state recorded the highest year-on-year (YoY) inflation among major states, at 9.49%?

(a) Kerala

(b) Andhra Pradesh

(c) Karnataka

(d) Tamil Nadu

(e) Jammu & Kashmir

30) How many development projects were approved by the Cabinet across various sectors, including silk markets, dairies, and drinking water schemes?

(a) 20

(b) 27

(c) 25

(d) 30

(e) 35

Answers :

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary & Member (Customs),Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), inaugurated the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway – Land Port Management System (ICEGATE – LPMS) integration at the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Agartala, Tripura.

Detailed Explanation:

Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary & Member (Customs),Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), inaugurated the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway – Land Port Management System (ICEGATE – LPMS) integration at the Integrated Check Post (ICP), Agartala, Tripura.

The ICEGATE–LPMS integration enables real-time, two-way digital data exchange between the ICEGATE and the LPMS.

The system covers key customs processes and documents, including Bill of Entry, Shipping Bill, Out of Charge (OOC), Let Export Order (LEO), and cargo movement updates such as slot booking, gate-in, and gate-out.

The integration supports coordinated and data-driven border management, helping to reduce transaction costs, improve compliance, and ensure targeted risk-based checks.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) created a national milestone by becoming the 1st Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India to introduce India’s first fully solar-powered mobile Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) van, named ‘TGB on Wheels’.

Detailed Explanation:

Tripura Gramin Bank (TGB) created a national milestone by becoming the 1st Regional Rural Bank (RRB) in India to introduce India’s first fully solar-powered mobile Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) van, named ‘TGB on Wheels’.

The initiative represents a significant step towards sustainable, eco-friendly, and inclusive banking services, particularly benefiting rural and remote areas of the country.

The pioneering ATM Van initiative of TGB was formally inaugurated in July 2023 by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) during her visit to Tripura.

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for rural, urban, and combined segments for December 2025.

Food inflation, measured by the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), showed negative growth for the 7th consecutive month, declining by 120 basis points from -3.91% in November to -2.71% in December 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for rural, urban, and combined segments for December 2025.

India’s retail inflation (CPI) rose to a three-month high of 1.33% in December 2025, up from 0.71% in November 2025, while remaining below the RBI’s lower tolerance threshold of 2% for the fourth consecutive month.

Food inflation, measured by the All India Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI), showed negative growth for the 7th consecutive month, declining by 120 basis points from -3.91% in November to -2.71% in December 2025.

Rural food inflation stood at -3.08%, while urban food inflation was -2.09% in December 2025.

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI), the only Indian bank with a branch in Israel, plans to facilitate bilateral trade between India and Israel in Indian Rupees (INR).

Trade settlements will be done through the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) mechanism, as permitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), allowing exporters and importers to settle trade in INR.

Detailed Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI), the only Indian bank with a branch in Israel, plans to facilitate bilateral trade between India and Israel in Indian Rupees (INR).

Trade settlements will be done through the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) mechanism, as permitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), allowing exporters and importers to settle trade in INR.

SBI’s Tel Aviv branch, opened in 2007, has remained fully operational despite the pandemic and ongoing regional conflicts, demonstrating strong resilience.

The bank will assist Indian workers in Israel by enabling remittances to India through NRI accounts and fintech partnerships.

The initiative aligns with deepening economic ties, including progress towards an India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

49 cryptocurrency exchanges were registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) during FY 2024–25, most of them domestic.

All crypto exchanges in India were brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) framework in 2023, making them reporting entities for anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CTF).

Detailed Explanation:

49 cryptocurrency exchanges were registered with India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) during FY 2024–25, most of them domestic.

All crypto exchanges in India were brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) framework in 2023, making them reporting entities for anti-money-laundering (AML) and counter-terror financing (CTF).

Crypto exchanges are legally classified as Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs), and the trading platforms are designated as VDA Service Providers (VDA SPs).

VDA SPs are required to report suspicious transactions (STRs), disclose beneficial ownership, and monitor wallet activities, including initial coin offerings (ICOs) and transfers between hosted and unhosted wallets.

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Innoviti Technologies Private Limited,a payments-centric retail Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, received a Certificate of Authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007 across India.

The RBI authorisation allows Innoviti to manage both online and offline (in-store) payment transactions, expanding its operational scope nationwide.

Detailed Explanation:

Innoviti Technologies Private Limited,a payments-centric retail Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, received a Certificate of Authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Payments and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007 across India.

The RBI authorisation allows Innoviti to manage both online and offline (in-store) payment transactions, expanding its operational scope nationwide.

Innoviti was initially authorised in March 2024 as an online Payment Aggregator, and the new licence now covers physical retail payments as well.

The expanded PA licence enables seamless, secure and compliant payment processing for enterprises and Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Innoviti operates India’s largest offline payments platform, branded InnovitiUniPay, serving leading enterprise clients across the country.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India’s insurance penetration remained stagnant at 3.7% in FY25, which is almost half of the global average of 7.3% in 2024, indicating low insurance coverage in India.

Life insurance penetration declined slightly from 2.8% in FY24 to 2.7% in FY25, while non-life insurance penetration remained unchanged at 1%, according to IRDAI data.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s insurance penetration remained stagnant at 3.7% in FY25, which is almost half of the global average of 7.3% in 2024, indicating low insurance coverage in India.

Life insurance penetration declined slightly from 2.8% in FY24 to 2.7% in FY25, while non-life insurance penetration remained unchanged at 1%, according to IRDAI data.

Global life insurance penetration was 3% and non-life was 4.3% in 2024, showing wider coverage internationally.

Insurance density (per capita premium) in India rose marginally to $97 in FY25 from $95 in FY24 — life insurance density increased from $70 to $72, while non-life stayed at $25.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Amazon Pay has launched fixed deposit (FD) services on its fintech app as part of its expansion into fixed-income assets.

The platform has partnered with two NBFCs – Shriram Finance and Bajaj Finance – and five banks, including Shivalik Small Finance Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, South Indian Bank, Slice, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.

Detailed Explanation:

Amazon Pay has launched fixed deposit (FD) services on its fintech app as part of its expansion into fixed-income assets.

The platform has partnered with two NBFCs – Shriram Finance and Bajaj Finance – and five banks, including Shivalik Small Finance Bank, Suryoday Small Finance Bank, South Indian Bank, Slice, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank.

Users can start investing in FDs with a minimum amount of ₹1,000 and access multiple institutions without opening separate bank accounts.

Deposits made through the app are insured up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank under DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation) rules.

The move reflects a trend where fintech platforms act as distribution partners for banks and NBFCs, enabling deposit mobilisation and earning commission-based income.

9) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the statewide implementation of the ‘Akka Pade’ scheme across all 31 districts and five police commissionerates, in coordination with the Home Department.

The decision aims to strengthen prevention of atrocities against minor girls and women, including curbing child marriages, by extending the scheme beyond its pilot phase.

Detailed Explanation:

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the statewide implementation of the ‘Akka Pade’ scheme across all 31 districts and five police commissionerates, in coordination with the Home Department.

The decision aims to strengthen prevention of atrocities against minor girls and women, including curbing child marriages, by extending the scheme beyond its pilot phase.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil stated that the ‘Akka Pade’ scheme was initially launched on a trial basis in select districts.

The scheme focuses on preventing child marriages and protecting minor girls and women from abuse and exploitation.

Following its successful outcomes, the Cabinet approved its statewide rollout across Karnataka.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the launch of two new India Post services: Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48.

These services ensure time-bound delivery within 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively.

The announcement was made during a programme held at Pichhor in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the launch of two new India Post services: Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48.

These services ensure time-bound delivery within 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively.

The announcement was made during a programme held at Pichhor in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh.

The initiative is being seen as a major step towards modernisation of postal services in India.

According to the Minister, Speed Post 24 and Speed Post 48 will set a new benchmark for punctual, reliable and fast delivery across the country.

During the event, Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the renovated Pichhor sub-post office, developed at a cost of ₹2 lakh.

He also laid the foundation stone and conducted the ground-breaking ceremony for a new sub-post office building at an estimated cost of ₹1 crore 11 lakh.

11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport project in Nellore district.

With this approval, Dagadarthi will become the 8th airport in Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the state’s aviation network.

Detailed Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Dagadarthi Greenfield Airport project in Nellore district.

With this approval, Dagadarthi will become the 8th airport in Andhra Pradesh, strengthening the state’s aviation network.

The project aims to improve regional connectivity, boost logistics and industrial growth, and integrate air transport with ports and highways.

The Dagadarthi airport is strategically located with strong connectivity to national highways, industrial clusters, and major ports.

It is close to Krishnapatnam Port and Ramayapatnam Port, enhancing port-led development and exports.

Proximity to industrial hubs such as KRIS City and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited Special Economic Zones positions the airport as a key driver of manufacturing, agri-logistics and services-led growth in southern Andhra Pradesh.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi.

The three-day conference will begin on 15 January 2026 and conclude on 16 January 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi.

Theconference will begin on 15 January 2026 and conclude on 16 January 2026.

The event will bring together Speakers and Presiding Officers from over 60 Commonwealth countries and semi-autonomous legislatures.

Hosting CSPOC highlights India’s growing stature in parliamentary democracy, democratic values and institutional governance.

The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) is an important international parliamentary forum.

Its primary objective is to promote knowledge-sharing, mutual learning and cooperation among Commonwealth legislatures.

CSPOC aims to strengthen parliamentary institutions and deepen understanding of parliamentary democracy in its diverse forms.

13) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India has officially begun preparations for its BRICS Presidency 2026 by launching the official logo and dedicated website.

Detailed Explanation:

India has officially begun preparations for its BRICS Presidency 2026 by launching the official logo and dedicated website.

The announcement was made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, marking the formal start of India’s chairship preparations.

The move reflects India’s vision for a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented presidency amid rising global uncertainty.

India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 aims to harness the collective potential of BRICS nations for global welfare and shared development.

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Punjabi singer Kaka has launched a women’s safety mobile application named Friendo, marking his initiative beyond the music industry.

Detailed Explanation:

Punjabi singer Kaka has launched a women’s safety mobile application named Friendo, marking his initiative beyond the music industry.

The launch reflects increasing concern over crimes against women in India and highlights the role of technology and social responsibility in creating safer communities.

Friendo is currently in the testing phase and is available only for Android users.

The application focuses on providing quick emergency assistance and digital support tools for women and girls.

Friendo is a mobile safety application designed to help women during emergency situations.

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Meta Platforms Inc., announced the appointment of Dina Powell McCormick as President and Vice Chairman of Meta to strengthen its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.

Detailed Explanation:

Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Meta Platforms Inc., announced the appointment of Dina Powell McCormick as President and Vice Chairman of Meta to strengthen its Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.

Dina Powell McCormick has over 25 years of experience in global finance, national security, and economic development.

She worked for 16 years at Goldman Sachs as a partner, management committee member, and head of Global Sovereign Investment Banking.

16) Answer: B

Abhishek Dev has received a one-year extension as Chairman of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on the proposal of the Department of Commerce.

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

ONGC has decided to take a 50% stake in two joint ventures — Bharat Ethane One IFSC Private Limited and Bharat Ethane Two IFSC Private Limited — formed with Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to transport ethane for India’s petrochemical sector.

Detailed Explanation:

ONGC has decided to take a 50% stake in two joint ventures — Bharat Ethane One IFSC Private Limited and Bharat Ethane Two IFSC Private Limited — formed with Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to transport ethane for India’s petrochemical sector.

Each joint venture will own one Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC), while MOL will operate the ships under the Indian flag, and both partners will hold equal 50% ownership.

The vessels will be used to ship ethane from the United States to ONGC Petro Additions Limited (OPaL) at its Dahej petrochemical complex, Gujarat.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) launched a new initiative named BHARATI to support agri-food and agritech startups.

BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement, aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and export opportunities in India’s agricultural and food processing sectors.

Detailed Explanation:

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) launched a new initiative named BHARATI to support agri-food and agritech startups.

BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement, aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and export opportunities in India’s agricultural and food processing sectors.

During IndusFood 2026, APEDA organised the BHARATI Startup Challenge to support export-ready startups by providing mentorship, market access, and policy facilitation.

Selected startups will receive international exposure through participation in Gulfood (Dubai) and BIOFACH (Germany), helping them explore global markets and strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India and Germany have signed 19 agreements and joint declarations to strengthen their strategic partnership.

The agreements were finalised after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Detailed Explanation:

India and Germany have signed 19 agreements and joint declarations to strengthen their strategic partnership.

The agreements were finalised after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The cooperation focuses on defence manufacturing, advanced technology, critical minerals and trade, reflecting growing mutual trust and shared global interests.

The agreements cover defence, trade, critical minerals, semiconductors and emerging technologies.

20) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

A new global assessment framework named the Responsible Nations Index will be launched on January 19.

The index will be released by the World Intellectual Foundation.

The launch event will take place in New Delhi in the presence of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

Detailed Explanation:

A new global assessment framework named the Responsible Nations Index will be launched on January 19.

The index will be released by the World Intellectual Foundation.

The launch event will take place in New Delhi in the presence of former President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

The initiative comes at a time when countries face shared challenges related to sustainability, governance and global stability.

The Responsible Nations Index is a global index designed to evaluate how responsibly countries function in an interconnected world.

It covers 154 countries, making it one of the broadest international indices in terms of scope.

21) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Henley Passport Index 2026 has ranked India at 80th position globally, reflecting a modest improvement in international travel access.

Indian passport holders now have visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa access to 55 destinations, improving from 85th rank last year.

Detailed Explanation:

The Henley Passport Index 2026 has ranked India at 80th position globally, reflecting a modest improvement in international travel access.

Indian passport holders now have visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa access to 55 destinations, improving from 85th rank last year.

Despite this progress, significant visa restrictions remain for major destinations such as Europe and North America, continuing to shape Indian travel planning.

The Henley Passport Index is published by Henley & Partners and is considered the global benchmark for passport strength.

It ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa or with visa-on-arrival.

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Bottom five weakest passports are:

Rank 101: Afghanistan – 24 destinations

Rank 100: Syria – 26 destinations

Rank 99: Iraq – 29 destinations

Rank 98: Pakistan, Yemen – 31 destinations

Rank 97: Somalia – 33 destinations

Detailed Explanation:

Bottom five weakest passports are:

Rank 101: Afghanistan – 24 destinations

Rank 100: Syria – 26 destinations

Rank 99: Iraq – 29 destinations

Rank 98: Pakistan, Yemen – 31 destinations

Rank 97: Somalia – 33 destinations

In 2026, Indian passport holders can travel more easily to selected regions such as:

Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives

Middle East: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman

Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda

Islands and Caribbean: Mauritius, Seychelles, Barbados

23) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Union Government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026.

These Rules operationalise the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026.

These Rules operationalise the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

The objective is to promote transparency, accountability, athlete-centric governance and gender representation in sports administration, aligning India’s sports governance with global best practices.

The Rules lay down a comprehensive framework for the governance of National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations.

24) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Australia women’s cricket captain Alyssa Healy has announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket.

Her retirement will take effect after the India Women’s tour of Australia (February–March 2026).

Detailed Explanation:

Australia women’s cricket captain Alyssa Healy has announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket.

Her retirement will take effect after the India Women’s tour of Australia (February–March 2026).

The announcement marks the end of an era in Australian women’s cricket and signals a major transition ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Alyssa Healy confirmed that the multi-format home series against India will be her final international assignment.

25) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Ueli Kestenholz, the Swiss snowboarder and Olympic bronze medallist, passed away at age 50 after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps.

The incident occurred in canton Valais, on the eastern flank of Hockuchriz peak in the Lötschental region at around 2,400 metres (7,900 feet).

Detailed Explanation:

Ueli Kestenholz, the Swiss snowboarder and Olympic bronze medallist, passed away at age 50 after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps.

The incident occurred in canton Valais, on the eastern flank of Hockuchriz peak in the Lötschental region at around 2,400 metres (7,900 feet).

Kestenholz was riding off-piste with a companion, who escaped unhurt, while he was buried under snow and later airlifted for emergency treatment to hospitals in Visp and Sion.

The Valais police stated that the trigger of the avalanche is unknown, and the case is under investigation by the public prosecutor’s office.

26) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Veteran Kerala Congress (M) leader and former Member of Parliament (MP), Thomas Kuthiravattam, passed away at the age of 80 in Alappuzha, Kerala.

He was born on June 1, 1945, in Kallissery, Chengannur, Kerala.

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Kerala Congress (M) leader and former Member of Parliament (MP), Thomas Kuthiravattam, passed away at the age of 80 in Alappuzha, Kerala.

He was born on June 1, 1945, in Kallissery, Chengannur, Kerala.

Thomas Kuthiravattam was a senior political leader associated with Kerala Congress (M), known for his long-standing involvement in state and national politics.

He held key positions in Kerala Congress (M), including State General Secretary and Vice Chairman.

27) Answer: B

Indian Army Day 2026 is observed on 15th January 2026.

The day marks the 75th birth anniversary of Indian Army Day.

Indian Army Day is celebrated to commemorate the historic moment when Field Marshal K M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from the British Commander-in-Chief.

28) Answer: E

At present, Tripura Gramin Bank operates 3 solar-powered ATM vans across Tripura, strengthening last-mile banking connectivity.

29) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Among major states, Kerala recorded the highest YoY inflation at 9.49%, followed by Karnataka (2.99%), Andhra Pradesh (2.71%), Tamil Nadu (2.67%), and Jammu & Kashmir (2.26%).

Detailed Explanation:

Core inflation, which excludes volatile items like food and energy, increased to a 27-month high of 4.45% in December 2025, up from 4.23% in November 2025.

Among major states, Kerala recorded the highest YoY inflation at 9.49%, followed by Karnataka (2.99%), Andhra Pradesh (2.71%), Tamil Nadu (2.67%), and Jammu & Kashmir (2.26%).

The data highlights controlled retail inflation at the national level, persistent negative food inflation, and rising core inflation pressures across India.

30) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Cabinet approved 27 development projects across various sectors.

Approval was given for the construction of a silk market in Mysuru at a cost of ₹20 crore, with loan assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Cabinet cleared the establishment of a mega dairy in Kalaburagi at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

The Cabinet approved 27 development projects across various sectors.

Approval was given for the construction of a silk market in Mysuru at a cost of ₹20 crore, with loan assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Cabinet cleared the establishment of a mega dairy in Kalaburagi at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore.

A multi-village drinking water supply scheme worth ₹66 crore was approved.

The drinking water project will benefit 291 villages in Gundlupete taluk of Chamarajanagar district and 95 residential areas in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district.

Administrative approval was granted for the purchase of a soap-making machine for Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, Bengaluru, at a cost of ₹17.70 crore.